The Cardinal Sound aren’t bound by any real labels or genres. Sure, they have a banjo, but that doesn’t mean they are just a bluegrass band, and sure they have great guitar work, but it doesn’t make them a rock and roll band. The Cardinal Sound takes bits and pieces of some unique influences to form a dynamic and unique sound, from classic rock like The Band to bluegrass and folk like Trampled By Turtles and even to an occasional trip to the Dark Side of the Moon. The Cardinal Sound aren’t bound by genres, just by music.

Formed in 2012, The Cardinal Sound is made up of several veterans of the Iowa music scene. Together, they have played shows all over the state, often with former 80/35 bands like The Nadas, James Biehn and SP3. Their album, On the Run, was released in 2013 and features eleven tracks that showcase the uniqueness of The Cardinal Sound. However, it is their live show where they really shine and at 80/35, The Cardinal Sound plan to prove it.